ABSTRACT
One of the most remarkable features of Athenian history is the long survival, in positions of rank and dignity, of certain noble houses. Even under the developed democracy this continued to be the case, a phenomenon at least partially explained by 'Xenophon': the Athenian commons had no desire to hold such offices as carried responsibility for the public safety; generalships were best left to the magnates. Chronologically the first appearance of the Alcmeonidae is the mention of their role in the suppression of Cylon's attempted coup in 630 BC. Cylon, an Athenian with an Olympic victory behind him, began to entertain hopes of making himself tyrant of Athens. Aided by friends he attempted to seize the Acropolis but failed, and he and his party fled for sanctuary. The Alcmeonidae looked for support where it was to be found, and they showed their gratitude to their patrons by the names they adopted.
